We spend endless amounts of time searching, “pinning,” and longing for material aspirations. The immaculate home paired with the perfect organization system, the trendy hair-do along with most desirable wardrobe to match, how to color coordinate EVERYTHING (literally). A (seemingly) never-ending amount of information is available for any whim of possibility.

It is more than an understatement to say it is easy to become wrapped up in our world wide web. If we are honest, we would also say we spend far too much time there. If we spent as much time cultivating the best within ourselves as we do on these material aspirations, imagine how close we could be to the ideal person we all have the ability to strive to become.

This ideal of a better self could not be described more eloquently than by Matthew McConaughey in his acceptance speech for Best Actor in Dallas Buyer’s Club. “I need someone to look up to, something to look forward to, and someone to chase.” While many focused on their surprise (of course) to Mr. McConaughey’s declaration of his faith in God (while very admirable in and of itself), I find it to be wiser to draw our attention to his general outlook on his life of faith, family, and personal growth.

Matthew McConaughey’s opening, “I need someone to look up to, something to look forward to, and someone to chase.” Who did he need to chase? I immediately wondered as he continued to speak and explain “the someone” he looks up to. God. I continued to wonder as he revealed the something he looks forward to. Family. Who is left as “the someone” to chase? Himself (in ten years).

While each of his accounts in faith and family were remarkable, his attitude about himself as an evolving person who could be his hero (in ten years) was inspiring. Aspiring to be the best of ourselves is an ideal that is worth more value than any award could recognize or amount of money could buy. Chasing our ideal self as a moving target of achievement is even more incredible.

As Matthew McConaughey said, “Every day, every week, every month, and every year of my life, my hero is always 10 years away.” This type of mindset is what can keep us striving for the best. Not just the best of the material world, but the best person within ourselves. A world filled with people striving to be better simply is and would be a better world.

Photo and video via: YouTube

The personal views expressed in this post are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Minnesota Connected or its sponsors.

About Author

Deanna calls Central Minnesota home. She attended St. Cloud State University and obtained her BA in Applied Sociology. Her emphasis focused on politics and systematic policies. Her greatest concentration revolved around food consumption and practices in our current society and global market place. Now, Deanna is a busy and blessed mom of two. She has fueled her love for research and food into her family by making and providing conscientious and healthy options for her family and local community. At this time, Deanna is also a board member at her local food co-op where she contributes articles written for parents and works to network and empower local food growers and community members to provide sustainable and locally grown foods for their community. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, horses, and anything that allows for fun outdoors (with the exception of high places...eek)!

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